Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will visit Boston next week, planning to discuss substance-abuse issues with Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Attorney General Maura Healey, a Clinton campaign official said Thursday. Clinton will hold a Boston fundraiser the same day, according to a copy of the invitation.
On Oct. 1, Clinton will “engage in a conversation with the community on substance abuse and its tragic effects on individuals and families,” the official said on background. Later that day, Clinton will headline an evening fundraiser.
Substance abuse, particularly the opioid epidemic, has surged as a political issue this year. Clinton has said repeatedly that she has been surprised by the regularity with which she hears on the campaign trail about how widespread the problem is. The former secretary of state earlier this month announced a $10 billion plan to target drug and alcohol abuse.
Walsh has long made substance abuse and addiction a centerpiece priority of his career, and Healey before she took office this year announced a major push against heroin and prescription drug abuse.
Healey has endorsed Clinton’s candidacy. Walsh has said he has not decided between Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden, if Biden decides to run for president.
The 5 p.m. fundraiser asks for a broad range of contributions, from a “limited availability” pool at $250, up to $27,000 for status as an event co-chair and a family photo with Clinton herself. Individuals paying $2,700 can receive “Champion” status, but are confined to individual photos.
State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg is listed as a “special guest.”
The invitation does not proffer the event’s venue, calling it available upon RSVP, but two Democrats familiar with the plans said the event will be held at Kings, the upscale bowling venue in the Back Bay.
Along with Clinton, US Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, and US Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont socialist running in the Democratic primary, are two other presidential candidates planning to visit Massachusetts next week.
Jim O’Sullivan can be reached at jim.osullivan@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JOSreports.